(1)  The jury, or (in cases where there is no jury) the judge, on any trial of, or the jury, judge, officer of the court, judge of an inferior court of civil jurisdiction, or referee on any assessment of damages in –

(a) any action of conversion or trespass concerning any goods, may give damages in the nature of interest over and above the value of the goods at the time of the conversion or trespass;

(b) any action on any policy of insurance, may give damages in the nature of interest over and above the money recoverable on or under the policy.

(2)  Nothing in this section or in section 34 shall preclude a jury or a judge or an officer of the Court, or a judge of an inferior court of civil jurisdiction, or a referee from giving interest, or damages in the nature of interest, in any case in which the same are now payable or can be awarded.